For over nine years, communities in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon have lived through profound pain, displacement and loss, often without the world listening.
A new doctoral research has now formally documented human rights abuses linked to the Anglophone crisis, based on rigorous legal analysis, fieldwork and testimonies from affected communities. This work ensures that what happened to civilians, families and entire communities is now part of the global academic record and cannot be denied or erased.
About the Research
The doctoral thesis, conducted within the School of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Plymouth, focuses on the ongoing Anglophone crisis in Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest regions. The research documents human rights abuses committed by both state security forces and armed separatist groups while analysing how neo-patrimonial governance and political interference have weakened accountability mechanisms.
Key findings of the research include:
- Systematic documentation of human rights violations in the Anglophone regions
- Analysis of how governance structures and political factors undermine accountability
- Examination of the role of state security forces and armed groups in committing abuses
- Identification of gaps in international engagement and protection mechanisms
- Calls for strengthened international support for peace and civilian protection
International Attention and Calls for Action
The thesis highlights the limited international attention given to the Cameroon crisis compared to conflicts elsewhere. The research calls on the international community — including the United Nations, African Union and European Union — to engage more consistently in efforts to protect civilians and support lasting peace in the affected regions.
Accessing the Research
The doctoral research is now publicly available online, allowing scholars, policymakers and members of the public to access and engage with the findings through:
- University of Plymouth repository
- British Library’s EThOS platform
This makes the research accessible to academics, practitioners, civil society organizations and anyone seeking to understand the human rights dimensions of the Anglophone crisis.
Read the full coverage: Cameroonian Scholar Awarded PhD for Research on Human Rights Crisis in Cameroon – Mimi Mefo Infos
